Veronica begins her day with her engineering job. Today, she works from the office, making communication a bit more challenging. Outside, it’s a rainy day in Bucharest.

Mugoya starts his morning by withdrawing funds and organizing the shopping lists. He calls the distribution teams to bring in the products, and later helps unload and carry the merchandise inside.

Despite her busy schedule, Veronica sends out the day’s program along with major challenges and emergencies. These include tasks left unfinished, children who missed picking up certain items, and special requests from long-distance parents.

One sponsor requests a phone call to see the child they support, wary of the scams that unfortunately exist in this world. This accusation stings deeply, as our integrity has never been questioned before. The child is called for the phone call, but the sponsor does not answer. Veronica’s heart aches for the little one. They move past this disappointment and continue with their work.

Children begin to arrive, and food distribution starts smoothly. However, Nulu falls ill and is admitted to the ward for IV treatment against malaria. Veronica finishes her workday and heads home. During her train trip, she distributes invoices and responds to messages. Mugoya continues to distribute food.

Once home, Veronica checks the photos and marks them with a little heart. Mihaela downloads these photos and creates beautiful collages. Munyira, an albino child under the care of Maria from Malta, joins them. Today is Maria’s birthday, so he records a heartfelt message for her, bringing tears to Veronica’s eyes.

As the day draws to a close, Veronica organizes tomorrow’s bank transfer, which demands all her attention despite her growing fatigue. She says a little prayer for strength. Mihaela finishes the collages, and Veronica uploads them everywhere, filling her heart with joy. Mugoya closes the HOCT office doors and heads home.

Tomorrow, they will start over, grateful for the opportunity to continue their mission.

Many of the children you see each day in the collages have been with “Help One Child Thrive” for 2-3 years. They are my steady companions, my treasures. Watching them grow and flourish is one of the greatest joys of my life. The best reaction I get from their long-distance parents when sharing photos is always, “How much he/she is growing!!!”

Children are like delicate flowers in our hands. With a little bit of love, care, good food, and the affirmation that they matter to someone—that they are important and loved—they blossom beautifully. Knowing that someone out there is thinking of them makes all the difference.

I am profoundly grateful that I can be a channel through which people can save lives and show so much kindness. In a world often overshadowed by conflict and strife, we find a special purpose in our work at HOCT. In this often forgotten corner of life, we are quietly but steadfastly building something wonderful. We are creating a sanctuary of hope, a place where children can feel safe, loved, and valued.

Our mission goes beyond providing basic needs; it is about fostering dreams and nurturing the potential within each child. Every smile, every shared moment, and every small achievement is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and support.

In these turbulent times, we are reminded of the importance of our work. Each child’s growth is a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, light can shine through acts of love and kindness. I am eternally thankful to everyone who joins us on this journey, helping us to create a brighter future for these children.

Together, we are proving that even in a world beset by turmoil, there is still space for compassion and care. At “Help One Child Thrive,” we are dedicated to making this world a better place, one child at a time. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Your trust, love, and unwavering support mean everything to us. Let’s continue to nurture these precious lives and build a legacy of love and hope.

It was one of those days when everything went super-well. My heart is overflowing with gratitude and happiness for the work we do. I am profoundly thankful for the opportunity to provide food for these wonderful children, made possible through the grace and generosity of their sponsors.

I am grateful beyond words for the trust people place in me, and for the love and support they bring to our mission. It is a joy and an honor to be surrounded by such compassionate individuals who share a common goal.

In a world where so many things seem to be falling apart, I find immense happiness in knowing that we are building something truly special. Together, we are creating a sanctuary of hope and care, a beacon of light for these children. Each act of kindness, each gesture of support, brings us one step closer to a better, brighter future. I am deeply thankful for this journey and for all those who walk it with me.

In the middle: Kagoya Shakirah, sweet 16 years old, yesterday was her Birthday!

Children are perfect – whether their faces light up with a smile or they wear expressions of deep contemplation. Whether their hands are pristine or smeared with the evidence of their latest adventure, whether they wear the same cherished outfit day after day or come running barefoot, they radiate a pure, unblemished light. Children are the essence of innocence and joy, the very light of this world.

At “Help One Child Thrive,” we embrace and celebrate this perfection in every child. We welcome all children with open arms, recognizing their inherent worth and potential. Our mission is to create an environment where every child can flourish, where their unique light is nurtured and cherished. We work tirelessly to improve their lives, ensuring they have the support, resources, and love they need to thrive.

In a world that often emphasizes flaws and shortcomings, we choose to see the beauty and perfection in each child. We believe in their dreams, their laughter, and their boundless curiosity. We are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and security, where every child feels valued and loved.

Join us in this beautiful journey. Together, we can make a difference, one child at a time. Let us celebrate their perfection, nurture their growth, and light up the world with the brilliance of their presence. At “Help One Child Thrive,” we are committed to making the world a better place, starting with our children, the perfect lights of our lives.

It has been a beautiful day.

We work with love.

We had a productive day, despite a delayed start due to a banking issue that pushed our work-day to begin after 2 PM. Nonetheless, we successfully distributed a significant amount of food to those in need. Additionally, children received heartfelt gifts from their long-distance parents, adding to the day’s warmth and joy. In a surprising turn of events, we also received three parcels, one of which was sent back in 2020! It’s a testament to the idea that everything eventually finds its way, even if it takes a detour through unexpected places like South Africa. Our commitment to serving our community remains unwavering, and we’re grateful for the support that allows us to make a difference in the lives of others.

IF I CAN stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin        

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

(Emily Dickinson)

What a delightful day it’s been! From dawn till dusk, the air has been tinged with joy and accomplishment. The sound of children’s laughter echoed through the streets, their excitement contagious as they eagerly awaited their school reports. And when those reports finally arrived, revealing their hard-earned successes, the atmosphere swelled with pride and celebration.

In a world often overshadowed by sadness and brokenness, where problems seem insurmountable, there’s a glimmer of hope that shines through. Despite facing their own hardships, people continue to bring goodness into the world. And when I reflect on this at the end of the day, it’s as if evil cannot truly prevail. Truth, beauty, and kindness emerge as beacons of light, lifting us from the depths of darkness.

So, I say to you, and to myself: it will be fine. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, let’s hold onto this belief. Let’s continue to cultivate goodness, to spread kindness, and to embrace the beauty that surrounds us. For in these acts, we find strength, resilience, and the power to overcome.

In our country, today marks another bank holiday, yet we devoted our time at HOCT with a spirit of love and grace, pouring our best efforts into every task. When passion drives our work, each moment unfolds in a symphony of beauty and joy. It’s as if work ceases to be work at all.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mugoya Swaliki for his dedication to food distribution, to Mihaela Florentina Stoica for her stunning collage work, and to all the generous souls at Help One Child Thrive, both friends and sponsors. May blessings shower upon each and every one of you abundantly.